Steps to Safe Driving

If I would have come across this essay a year ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it. I would’ve written something careless and submitted it without thinking twice. Today, after being in a serious car crash myself, I recognize the importance of educating drivers. Drivers education is something most teenagers don’t take seriously. The excitement surrounding getting their license and having a newfound freedom overshadow the importance of driving safely. Many teenagers don’t pay much attention in driving school, and consequently end up driving dangerously without knowing. An average of 34,000 people die in car accidents per year just in America. Drivers education can help combat that problem, lowering the number significantly.

While there is no crystal clear solution to lowering this number, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the number of car accident related deaths. For starters, ensuring that every new driver is able to attend driving school. Whether it is online or in person, driving school informs new drivers on the rules and dangers of driving. Some teenagers wait to turn 18, so that they don’t need to attend driving school. This endangers not only the driver, but also everyone around them. Everyone should be required to attend driving school, not just minors. Another way to reduce the number of car accident related deaths is to improve car technology. Many new models of cars today have improved safety features, such as collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning and countless other features. As more and more companies integrate these safety features into their cars, safe cars become more available to new drivers.

Prior to my car accident, I had been in a few minor fender benders with my parents, but nothing as scary as my accident. I was on my way to school, and pulled out in front of a car going over the speed limit. I was unable to see the car due to signs on the side of the road blocking my view. The car hit me going 55+ miles per hour and my car spun. It was terrifying to see the airbags go off and to see the damage to my car. Thankfully no one was injured, but the accident scarred me emotionally. For weeks I refused to drive a car. I would flinch everytime another car looked like it was going to pull out in front of me, or got too close to me. I would sweat profusely due to my nerves every time I was behind the wheel. With time I overcame my fear, but it has forever changed my perspective on driving. Driving is a privilege, and it should only be given to those who understand the dangers of driving and take it seriously.

Since my accident, I have taken many steps to protect myself and others on the road. I always wear my seatbelt, and ensure my passengers do as well. I never eat while driving or use my phone while driving to minimize distractions. Apple has a great do not disturb while driving setting that I’ve used to keep my phone from going off while I’m driving. I never drive with the music too loud and I ask my passengers to keep quiet while I am driving. All of these precautions have made me feel safer while in the car. While it is impossible to ensure every person drives safely, I do my best to inform others of my experience while driving and encourage them to take the same precautions as me. One driver at a time I try to make a change in the roads.